In a recent development, Luxemburg, a small yet strategically positioned country in Western Europe, addresses the rising need for dedicated crypto regulations as it takes a pioneering step in examining Web3 and blockchain-based firms. Conducted by the country’s competition regulator, Autorité de la Concurrence, this first-of-its-kind study aims to explore the relationship between blockchain-based products and services and existing digital companies (Web2 firms).
As part of their June 6 press release, Autorité de la Concurrence recognizes blockchain technology as a crucial aspect in the digital and sustainable economic transition. Understanding the high potential of the Web3 sector, the regulatory body acknowledges the importance of ensuring that Web3 players are nurtured in a competitive and well-functioning market. To achieve this, the study intends to gather information from active companies in the blockchain and web3 sectors, which may later shape future enforcement actions on firms breaching antitrust rules and influence regulatory decisions.
Assessing how blockchain-based start-ups and firms compete with established Web2 companies, the Autorité de la Concurrence will also take note of any potential anti-competitive practices against Web3 projects. The Competition Authority has appointed Thibaut Schrepel, an associate professor of law at Amsterdam University and an expert in Antitrust law and innovation, as an external expert to assist with the market study. Emphasizing his stance on the study’s primary goal, Schrepel stated, “To the best of my knowledge, it’s the first market study conducted by a regulatory agency whose goal is to protect Web3, not to attack it.”
These recent steps by Luxemburg coincide with the approval of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA), scheduled to take effect in June 2023. Aimed at protecting investors, increasing transparency, and reinforcing a solid framework for digital asset issuers and service providers, the MiCA laws also enforce compliance with anti-money laundering rules while preserving financial stability and nurturing innovation and attractiveness within the crypto sector.
The European Union has demonstrated a keen interest in fostering Web3 initiatives such as the metaverse. The EU plans to launch a policy paper on the metaverse later in 2023, as disclosed by EU’s antitrust chief, Margrethe Vestager. This upcoming policy aims to ensure healthy competition amongst companies in the metaverse while preventing larger companies, like META, from overpowering or suppressing the growth of smaller rivals. With such progressive actions in place, the European Union hopes to pave the way for a thriving and competitive environment for Web3 and blockchain-based firms.
Source: Cryptonews
